St. Louis County officials say low-flying helicopters were for Army training

(KMOV.com) -- St. Louis County officials said they are now certain that helicopters flying Thursday night were a part of Army training exercises.

County officials said the Army conducted helicopter training Thursday afternoon near the County and Municipal Police Academy in the 1200 block of Sutter Avenue near Wellston.

Major Burns said a Special Operations team was a part of routine training to keep their pilots up to date on maneuvers done overseas. Major Burns said they conduct these sorts of helicopter drills in large urban areas throughout the Us.

According to Burns, they went through all the proper channels with St. Louis County and asked property owners if it was okay to fly over. They were surprised so many people were unaware of the training.

Burns said while the helicopters flew low, but were withing FAA regulations.

Major Burns said the division was from Fort Campbell in Kentucky.

News 4 viewers said helicopters flew several rounds over houses Thursday night. Reports of the helicopters came in from St. Louis County to Granite City and Troy, Ill. They said helicopters flew low and made a lot of noises as they rattled homes.

Police said the Army was given unrestricted power to fly.

Stay with News 4 and KMOV.com as we bring you more information when it becomes available.